Hair measurement tool

ABSTRACT

To provide an index for objectively measuring length of hair or hair bundle, and enable accurate hair cut at a desired length. A hair measurement tool includes a plate-shaped elongated member. A curved concave part is formed at one end part of the member and scale lines are indicated on one surface of the member with intervals at 10 mm unit from the one end part. In the hair measurement tool, V-shaped notches are formed in both side surfaces corresponding to each position of the scale lines. The hair measurement tool is used for, by placing the one end part on a head, performing hair cut with hairdressing scissors positioned at the notch (position controlled) after measuring with the scale lines the hair (or hair bundle) picked from the head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hair measurement tool enabling measurement of hair length or hair angle based on an objective index, and also enabling accurate haircuts at a desired length.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, when cutting hair at a barber shop or a beauty shop, tools or devices for measuring hair length are not used, and haircuts are normally performed by empirical values or eyeball-measurements. Therefore, a desired hair length before the haircut and the actual hair length after the haircut are often different.

Meanwhile, during practical instruction at a barber school or beauty school, or at a barber/beauty practical examination, haircuts at a designated length are sometimes ordered. Since the length of the haircut varies according to the angle at which the hair is drawn from the scalp, it is very important at which angle, relative to the scalp, the hair should be taken and cut. However, since appropriate tools or devices for measuring the length or direction (angle) of hair do not exist yet at present, when a haircut in the same style is ordered during practical instruction or at an examination, the hair length of the haircut that is performed by each participant during instruction or at an examination is likely to be variable, and moreover, from the viewpoint of evaluating results during practical instruction or at an examination, it is difficult to objectively measure the length and angle of a haircut.

For reference, Patent Document 1, as described below, discloses a front haircut aid for indicating a rough measurement guide when cutting front hair. Moreover, FIG. 3 of Patent Document 2, as described below, discloses a haircut aid for enabling a haircut at a designated length according to each part of the head. Moreover, FIGS. 5 through 15 of Patent Document 3, as described below, disclose a haircut aid to be mounted on the head with a combination of wire-shaped members. Furthermore, Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose stationery ruler-type haircut aids.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS OF CONVENTIONAL ART Patent Documents

[Patent Document 1] JP2007-029697A

[Patent Document 2] JP1984-098805U

[Patent Document 3] JP2005-312920A

[Patent Document 4] JP1995-040164U

[Patent Document 5] JP3145522Y

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The front haircut aid according to Patent Document 1, as described above, is limited to cutting front hair, and it is impossible to apply it to any part other than the front hair. In addition, according to the front haircut aid, the front hair is cut by scissors along a front haircut line, and since the positioning relative to the scissors depends on the ability of the user who performs the haircut, it is problematic that the accuracy of the haircut length depends on the skill of the user. Furthermore, the haircut aid according to Patent Document 2 or 3 is large and wholly covers the head, and the measurements require a long time. Therefore, it is not suitable to perform haircuts at various lengths accurately and easily. In addition, the haircut aids according to Patent Documents 1 through 3 have the problem of being incapable of hair angle (direction) measurements.

Meanwhile, the haircut aid according to Patent Document 4 or 5 is essentially used as a stationery tool, and since a concave-convex structure formed in an edge part was not designed with an accurately measured distance from an end part of the structural member, it is problematic that the concave-convex structure cannot be repurposed to perform accurate haircuts by utilizing this haircut aid for positioning the scissors. In particular, the edge part of the stationery ruler is a linear side part, while the scalp having the hair is a curved surface. When measuring hair length with a ruler, if the linear side part thereof is placed on the scalp, both are in contact with each other at one point, and the attitude (direction) of the ruler becomes unstable (shaky) and difficult to fix. Therefore, it is problematic that the length cannot be easily measured.

In light of the problems as described above, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a hair measurement tool, forming a concave part at a peripheral part of an elongated member to be placed on the scalp for performing measurements, and at least either one of multiple scale lines for length measurement or angled lines for cutting direction is provided on a peripheral part of the concave part, so as to secure a two-point contact state when placed on the scalp, whereby hair length measurements at various parts can be performed easily and accurately.

In addition, another purpose of the present invention is to provide a hair measurement tool, forming notches for positioning hairdressing scissors at positions corresponding to the scale lines, so that the haircut can be accurately performed at measured lengths.

Means for Solving the Problems

To achieve the object as described above, for a hair measurement tool of the present invention, a concave part is formed in at least one part of a peripheral part of an elongated member, the elongated member indicating at least one of the following: the scale lines indicating distances from the peripheral part of the concave part, or angled lines indicating angles at the peripheral part of the concave part. By placing the peripheral part of the concave part on a scalp, either hair length measurement based on the scale lines, or hair direction measurement based on the angled lines, can be at least performed.

According to the present invention, since the concave part is formed at the peripheral part to be placed on the scalp, the hair measurement tool can maintain a stable state while being pressed against the scalp. Namely, when the peripheral part of the concave part is placed on the curved surface of the scalp, since the concave part is in a recessed shape and does not contact the scalp, the peripheral part comes into contact with the scalp at two points, each of which is on each side of the concave part. Accordingly, the attitude of the hair measurement tool placed on the scalp becomes stable, and hair length measurement and hair direction (angle) measurement at various parts can be performed easily and accurately.

Moreover, according to the present invention, since the concave part is formed at one end part to be placed on the scalp, the stable state of the hair measurement tool, being pressed against the scalp, can be maintained by securing the two-point contact state. Accordingly, the attitude of the hair measurement tool placed on the scalp becomes stable, and hair length measurements at various parts can be performed easily and accurately.

In addition, according to the present invention, since an end part is formed to be inclined in the length direction, when the hair measurement tool is placed on (pressed against) the scalp, the attitude of the hair measurement tool is directed in the normal line direction corresponding to the angle of the inclined one end part relative to each part of the curved surface of the scalp, so that the manner of use is consistent with the sense of direction of the user.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the angled lines are indicated at the one end part of the concave part, with the hair measurement tool capable of maintaining a stable attitude while pressed against the scalp, the hair direction measurement can also be performed accurately and easily.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since a comb part is provided at the one end part, it becomes easier to place the one end part on the scalp by plowing through the hair with the comb part. Accordingly, in the case when the one end part has difficulties in reaching the scalp due to certain types of hair, such as thick hair or long hair, the one end part can be securely placed on (pressed against) the scalp by plowing through the hair with the comb part.

In addition, according to the present invention, since an auxiliary concave part is formed at the peripheral part along the length direction and auxiliary angled lines are also provided at the peripheral part, the haircut direction can be measured by placing the peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part on the scalp. Namely, where the peripheral part of the concave part is placed on the scalp, the state of the hair measurement tool becomes lateral, not in a standing state against the scalp, and since a wide range of length directions can be used for direction measurements, a wide range of angle measurements can be performed easily.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the concave part is in a curve and the scale lines are curved lines corresponding to the curve, the hair length measurement matching up with the curved surface of the scalp can be performed. Namely, when seeing a hair bundle (hair panel) of a predetermined volume, the hair tip thereof is generally cut in a curved line corresponding to the curved surface of the scalp, and therefore, with the curved lines of the scale lines, natural hairdressing at a desired accurate length can be performed.

In addition, according to the present invention, notches are formed corresponding to the scale lines so as to catch the crest of the hairdressing scissors, and therefore, in a state where the one end part is pressed against the scalp as described above, with the positioning of the crest of the hairdressing scissors at the notch corresponding to a desired length, a haircut at the desired length can be performed.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the notches are formed on whole circumferential surfaces of the elongated member, the positioning of the crest of the hairdressing scissors can be performed along any of the whole circumferential directions of the hair measurement tool, and a haircut at an accurate length can be performed along a preferred direction of user.

And furthermore, according to the present invention, when the length of the hair (hair bundle) is measured with scale lines, it is expected that the hair bundle as the measurement object is often set (placed) on the hair measurement tool, and to prevent the hair bundle, for example, from dropping out of the hair measurement tool as the measurement object, the member constituting the hair measurement tool is formed by a material capable of elastic deformation to be warped in the width direction, so that the hair measurement tool is deformed by the grip strength of the user in a warped state surrounding the hair bundle as the measurement object in the width direction, so that the hair bundle will not drop out easily, and the length measurement can be performed smoothly.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the member constituting the hair measurement tool is a long-plate-shaped member folded over to be capable of opening and closing, and therefore, in the open state, an end side of the one end part becomes a V-shape, and when the one end part is placed on the scalp, three points contact the scalp, and this three-point contact can provide more stable measurements. In addition, by arranging the hair measurement tool so as to accommodate the hair bundle as the measurement object in the hair measurement tool in the open state, the hair bundle will not drop out easily, and length measurements can be performed smoothly.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, since the concave part is formed at the peripheral part to be placed on the scalp, the stable pressed state of the hair measurement tool against the scalp can be maintained, and hair length measurement or hair direction measurement at various parts can be performed easily and accurately.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the concave part is formed at the one end part to be placed on the scalp, the stable pressed state against the scalp can be maintained by securing the two-point contact state, whereby the stable state of the hair measurement tool pressed against the scalp can be maintained, and hair length measurements at various parts can be performed easily and accurately.

According to the present invention, since the one end part is formed to be inclined in the length direction when the hair measurement tool is placed on the scalp, the hair measurement tool can be directed in a prescribed direction corresponding to the inclined angle of the one end part relative to each part of the curved surface of the scalp, so that the manner of use is consistent with the sense of direction of the user.

According to the present invention, since the angled lines are indicated at the one end part of the concave part, hair direction measurements can also be performed accurately and easily.

According to the present invention, since the comb part is provided at the one end part, even in the case when the one end part has difficulties in reaching the scalp due to certain types of hair, the one end part can be securely placed on (pressed against) the scalp by plowing through the hair with the comb part.

According to the present invention, since the auxiliary concave part is formed at the peripheral part along the length direction and the auxiliary angled lines are also provided at that peripheral part, a wide range of angle measurements can be performed easily.

According to the present invention, since the concave part is in a curve and the scale lines are curved lines corresponding to the curve, the hair length measurements can be performed corresponding to the curved-surface-shape of the scalp.

According to the present invention, since the notches are formed corresponding to the scale lines so as to catch the crest of the hairdressing scissors, a haircut at the desired length can be performed.

According to the present invention, since the notches are formed on the whole circumferential surface of the elongated member, a haircut at an accurate length can be performed along the preferred direction of the user.

According to the present invention, since the member constituting the hair measurement tool is formed by material capable of elastic deformation to be warped in the width direction, when the hair measurement tool is deformed by the grip strength of the user in the warped state surrounding the hair bundle as the measurement object in the width direction, the hair bundle will not drop out easily, and length measurements can be performed smoothly.

According to the present invention, since the member constituting the hair measurement tool is a long-plate-shaped member folded over to be capable of opening and closing, in the open state, more stable measurements can be performed with the three-point contact with the scalp, and the hair bundle during measurement can be securely prevented from dropping out, whereby the length measurement can be performed smoothly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a hair measurement tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of one end part, FIG. 2( b) is a side view showing the vicinity of the one end part, and FIG. 2( c) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part.

FIG. 3( a) is an enlarged view of a notch, FIG. 3( b) is a schematic view of common hairdressing scissors, and FIG. 3( c) is a schematic view showing a state in which a crest at the back of a cutting blade of the hairdressing scissors is caught by the notch.

FIG. 4( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tool is pressed against the scalp, as seen from the side of a head, FIG. 4( b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tool is pressed against the scalp, as seen from the front of the head.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tool is pressed against the scalp, as seen from the top of the head.

FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) are enlarged schematic views of the vicinity of the one end part, showing the states where the hair measurement tool is pressed against the scalp.

FIG. 7( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the length of the hair bundle is measured by the hair measurement tool, and FIG. 7( b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the positioning of the hairdressing scissors is performed by using the hair measurement tool and the hair bundle is cut.

FIG. 8( a) is a plan view showing a substantial part of the hair measurement tool according to a first modification type, and FIG. 8( b) is a side view showing a substantial part of the hair measurement tool according to a second modification type.

FIG. 9( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part of the hair measurement tool according to a third modification type, FIG. 9( b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part of the hair measurement tool according to the third modification, and FIG. 9( c) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part of the hair measurement tool according to a fourth modification type.

FIG. 10 shows a hair measurement tool according to a fifth modification type, where FIG. 10( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part, and FIG. 10( b) is a schematic perspective view showing a state of pressing against the scalp by plowing through the hair.

FIG. 11( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part of the hair measurement tool according to a sixth modification type, FIG. 11( b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part of the hair measurement tool according to a seventh modification type, and FIG. 11( c) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part of the hair measurement tool according to the seventh modification type.

FIG. 12( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tools according to the seventh modification type are pressed against the scalp, as seen from the side of the head, and FIG. 12( b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tools according to the seventh modification type are pressed against the scalp, as seen from the front of the head.

FIG. 13 shows a hair measurement tool according to an eighth modification type, where FIG. 13( a) is a schematic perspective view showing a warped state in the width direction, FIG. 13( b) depicts schematic views showing the transformation from a flat state to a warped state, as seen from an end surface of an end part, and FIG. 13( c) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair bundle is set, as seen from the end surface of the end part.

FIG. 14 shows a hair measurement tool according to a ninth modification type, where FIG. 14( a) is a schematic perspective view showing an open state, FIG. 14( b) is a side view showing a closed state, and FIG. 14( c) depicts cross-sectional views showing the transformation from a closed state to an open state, taken along the line B-B of FIG. 14( b).

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the hair measurement tool according to the ninth modification type is pressed against the scalp.

FIG. 16 shows a hair measurement tool according to a tenth modification type, where FIG. 16( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of one end part, and FIG. 16( b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part.

FIG. 17 shows a hair measurement tool according to an eleventh modification type, as seen from one surface, where FIG. 17( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of one end part, FIG. 17( b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part, and FIG. 17( c) is a schematic plan view showing a state of inclination of the one end part.

FIG. 18 shows the hair measurement tool according to the eleventh modification type, as seen from the other surface, where FIG. 18( a) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the one end part, FIG. 18( b) is a plan view showing the vicinity of the other end part, and FIG. 18( c) is a schematic plan view showing a state of inclination of the other end part.

FIG. 19 shows the hair measurement tool according to the eleventh modification type, where FIG. 19( a) is a plan view showing angled lines on the one surface between the two end parts, and FIG. 19( b) is a plan view showing angled lines on the other surface between the two end parts.

FIG. 20( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tools according to the eleventh modification type are pressed against the scalp, as seen from the side of the head, and FIG. 20( b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the hair measurement tools according to the eleventh modification type are pressed against the scalp, as seen from the front of the head.

FIG. 21( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the one end part of the hair measurement tools according to the eleventh modification type is pressed against the scalp, as seen from the top of the head, and FIG. 21( b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the other end part of the hair measurement tools according to the eleventh modification type is pressed against the scalp, as seen from the top of the head.

FIG. 22 shows a hair measurement tool according to a twelfth modification type, where FIG. 22( a) is a plan view of one surface, and FIG. 22( b) is a plan view of the other surface.

FIG. 23 shows states in which auxiliary concave parts of the hair measurement tools according to the twelfth modification type are placed on the scalp, where FIG. 23( a) is a schematic view as seen from the side of the head, and FIG. 23( b) is a schematic view as seen from the front of the head.

FIG. 24 shows the hair measurement tool according to the twelfth modification type, where FIG. 24( a) is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary concave parts of the hair measurement tool according to the twelfth modification type are placed on the scalp, as seen from the top of the head, and FIG. 24( b) is an enlarged schematic view showing the vicinity of the auxiliary concave part placed on the scalp.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an overview of the structure of a hair measurement tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hair measurement tool 1 is used by placing it on the scalp of head having hair (head of hair), which enables accurate measurement of hair or hair bundles of the head (hair panel), measurement of the direction in which the hair is to be stretched during the measurement of length (direction in which the hair is taken), and accurate haircuts at a desired length.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hair measurement tool 1 according to the present embodiment comprises an elongated member 2 formed by a flat, long-plate shape made of synthetic resin, and the overall appearance is similar to a common stationery ruler. In contrast to the common stationery ruler, at one end part 2 a (corresponding to one section of a peripheral part) of the elongated member 2 constituting the hair measurement tool 1, a curved concave (concave part 3) is formed so that the center in the width directions thereof is the deepest, scale lines 6 are indicated on one surface 2 e with intervals at a predetermined length unit from the one end part 2 a in conformity with the curve of the concave part 3, and notches 4 are formed in both side surfaces 2 c and 2 d corresponding to each of the scale lines 6. Note that the X-axis direction as illustrated in FIG. 1 is a length direction of the hair measurement tool 1, the Y-axis direction is a width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the hair measurement tool 1, and the Z-axis direction is a height direction of the hair measurement tool 1 (the direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction, i.e., the thickness direction of the hair measurement tool 1). The same applies to other drawings. Below, the hair measurement tool 1 will be explained in detail.

The hair measurement tool 1 of the present embodiment has a longitudinal length (in the X-axis direction) of about 360 mm, and a lateral width (in the Y-axis direction) of 50 mm (in FIG. 1, the hair measurement tool 1 is illustrated by cutting at the intermediate part in the length direction). Although the size of the hair measurement tool 1 is not limited to the above values (length 360 mm, width 50 mm), when taking into account the measurement of the hair bundle that is set on the hair measurement tool 1, it is desirable to secure a width larger than approximately 20 mm. When taking into account the user-friendliness (easiness of handling) of the hair measurement tool 1 while also guaranteeing the ease of setting the hair bundles, it is desirable to set the ratio of the length and the width, when the ratio of the width is 1, to be within a range of approximately 5:1 to 10:1 (length:width).

Moreover, the material of the hair measurement tool 1 is not limited to synthetic resin, and for example, any natural material such as wood or bamboo can also be applied. Furthermore, although the elongated member 2 with a thickness in the range of about 0.5-5 mm can be adopted as the hair measurement tool 1, when taking into account the ease of holding and required stiffness, for example, the desirable thickness is about 1-2 mm.

As described above with the drawing of FIG. 2( a), the concave part 3 is formed on an end surface of the one end part 2 a. The concave part 3 has a slightly smaller curvature than the smallest curvature part of common human head (for example, the approximate radius=100 to 120 mm).

Furthermore, the hair measurement tool 1 indicates scale lines 6 on the one surface 2 e (applied to the one surface 2 e), in solid lines (thickness about 0.6 mm) from the one end part 2 a, with intervals every 10 mm. These scale lines 6 are curved lines having the same curvature as that of the concave part 3. Furthermore, the hair measurement tool 1 indicates intermediate scale lines 7 in dashed lines, at the intermediate position between the one end part 2 a and the first scale line 6, and another intermediate position between the second scale line 6 and the subsequent scale line 6, and so on, so that the intermediate scale lines are indicated between all the adjacent scale lines 6. These intermediate scale lines 7 are also curved lines like the scale lines 6. In addition, at every position in increments of 1 mm from the one end part 2 a (excluding the positions of the scale lines 6 and the intermediate scale lines 7), 1-mm scale lines, which are thinner lines than each of the scale lines 6, are indicated (the 1-mm scale lines are also curved lines like the scale lines 6 and the intermediate scale lines 7). With each of the scale lines 6, 7 having such curves, for example, having the same curvature as that of the concave part 3, the measurement can be performed in a state in which the hair bundle has naturally curved hair tips. Note that, with reference to the drawings other than FIGS. 2( a) and 2(c), for the purpose of avoiding complicated illustrations, the indication of 1-mm scale lines is omitted (in FIGS. 4, 5, for example, the intermediate scale lines 7 are also omitted). Furthermore, the thickness of the 1-mm scale lines varies within a range of 10 mm. The 1-mm scale line closer to the one end part 2 a is the thinnest, and with increasing distance from the one end part 2 a, each of the 1-mm scale lines becomes thicker. For example, the thickness of the 1-mm scale line closest to the one end part 2 a is 0.20 mm, and the second 1-mm scale line is 0.22 mm, the third second 1-mm scale line is 0.24 mm, the fourth 1-mm scale line is 0.26 mm, the sixth 1-mm scale line is 0.28 mm, the seventh 1-mm scale line is 0.30 mm, the eighth 1-mm scale line is 0.32 mm, and the ninth 1-mm scale line is 0.34 mm (the fifth scale line is a dashed line, as described above). With this variation of line thicknesses of each of the 1-mm scale lines, each 1-mm scale line can be read easily. Note that, to the contrary, it is also possible that the 1-mm scale line closest to the one end part 2 a is the thickest, and that the thickness becomes thinner with increasing distance from the one end part 2 a.

The hair measurement tool 1 indicates values on the one surface 2 e, per scale line 6 as described above, showing the length from the one end part 2 a (for example, the first scale line 6 from the one end part 2 a indicates “10” as the value showing the length of 10 mm, and the second scale line 6 from the one end part 2 a indicates “20” as the value showing the length of 20 mm). In addition, the hair measurement tool 1 also indicates values on the one surface 2 e, per intermediate scale line 7 as described above, showing the length from the one end part 2 a (for example, the first intermediate scale line 7 from the one end part 2 a indicates “5” as the value showing the length of 5 mm, and the second intermediate scale line 7 from the one end part 2 a indicates “15” as the value showing the length of 15 mm). Moreover, the hair measurement tool 1 indicates three white arrows 9 in total, respectively pointing the side of the one end part 2 a, on the side of the one end part 2 a of the one surface 2 e.

Furthermore, the hair measurement tool 1 has V-shaped notches 4 formed on both of the side surfaces 2 c, 2 d. Each of the notches 4 is formed exactly at the position corresponding to the scale line 6. FIG. 3( a) is an enlarged view of the notch 4 formed on the one side surface 2 d, and the notch 4 according to the present embodiment has about 2 mm of notch width W (opening width) between both end parts 4 b, 4 c of a notch entrance, and also has about 1.5 mm of notch depth D from the side surface 2 d to a bottom peak 4 a. With this structure, the crest, which is the back of a cutting blade of the hairdressing scissors, can be caught (hooked) by the notch 4.

FIG. 3( b) illustrates common hairdressing scissors S. The hairdressing scissors S are composed of a member serving as a moving blade, and a member serving as a stationary blade (that is the member in which a finger hook is projecting from a finger ring), overlaid and rotatably connected by a screw, and each of the members serving as the moving blade and the stationary blade, respectively, has the cutting blade on the tip side from a connected position.

Namely, the member serving as the stationary blade has a cutting blade Sa on a distal side from the connected position, and the cutting blade Sa has a blade tip Sb on the side facing the moving blade, and also has a crest Sc on the opposite side, which is the back side of the cutting blade Sa. As illustrated in FIG. 3( c), the cross section of the blade tip Sb is in a tapered wedge shape, and the thickness of the crest Sc is equivalent to that of the member serving as the stationary blade. Moreover, the cutting blade Sa of FIG. 3( c) is the cross section of FIG. 3( b) as seen by the line A-A, and the cross section is a blade reverse surface having a slight clearance on the side slidably moving and facing against the moving blade. The crest Sc of this cutting blade Sa has a corner (edge), and when the crest Sc is placed on the notch 4 of the hair measurement tool 1 as described above, the corner (edge) of the crest Sc is exactly accommodated and caught in the inside of the notch 4, whereby the positioning of the cutting blade Sa of the hairdressing scissors S can be performed (see FIG. 3( c), FIG. 7( b)).

Furthermore, FIG. 2( b) is a view of the hair measurement tool 1 as seen from the one side surface 2 c. The plurality of cutout-shaped notches 4 exists on the side surface 2 c, and at the same time, the scale lines 6 meet with the bottom peaks 4 a of the notches 4, so that the position per 10 mm can be confirmed also from the side surface 2 c. Furthermore, the intermediate scale lines 7 in dashed lines are also indicated by extending around the side surface 2 c. Moreover, the other side surface 2 d of the hair measurement tool 1 has substantially the same structure as that of the one side surface 2 c as illustrated in FIG. 2( b).

FIG. 2( c) is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of another end part 2 b of the hair measurement tool 1. The end surface of the other end part 2 b is a projecting concave part 8, in a shape where the concave part 3 of the one end part 2 a directly shifts in the X-axis direction, in which a center part 8 a in the width direction is the outermost extruding part, while the positions in the width direction of the end parts 8 b, 8 c are set back from the center part 8 a. Moreover, the one surface 2 e of the other end part 2 b has substantially the same structure as that described in FIG. 2( a); namely, the scale lines 6, the intermediate scale lines 7 and the 1-mm scale lines are indicated on the one surface 2 e, and the notches 4 are formed on both side surfaces 2 c, 2 d corresponding to the respective positions of the scale lines 6.

Furthermore, for another surface 2 f of the hair measurement tool 1, that is the opposite side (reverse side) of the one surface 2 e, the structure thereof is substantially the same as that illustrated in FIGS. 2( a) and 2(c). Accordingly, the hair measurement tool 1 indicates the scale lines 6 and the intermediate scale lines 7 on the whole circumferential surfaces of the elongated member 2, and consequently, a user can confirm the scale lines 6 and the intermediate scale lines 7 from any side of the hair measurement tool 1, so that the measurement of hair (hair bundle) can be performed.

FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b), as well as FIG. 5 illustrate applications of the hair measurement tool 1 as described above, and in each of these applications, as an explanatory example, a head model (commonly referred to as a “wig”) for cutting exercises is used as a cutting object, but the applications in the case of a human head are substantially the same. A head model H is a whole model of a human head, into which hair is implanted (moreover, in FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) and FIG. 5, for the purpose of clarifying the applications, the hair implanted into the head is omitted, and the hair is illustrated only in the necessary parts).

FIG. 4( a) is a perspective view as seen from the side of the head model H, showing the case of measurement in which the one surface 2 e of the hair measurement tool 1 and the side of the head model H are aligned with each other. In this measurement, hair bundles (hair panels) h1, h2, and h3 as the measurement objects, whose respective width is about 10-50 mm, are picked from the head, and these hair bundles h1, h2 and h3 are measured by the hair measurement tool 1. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4( a), when the hair bundle h3, positioned in the upper part of the back of the head, is measured, the hair bundle h3 picked from the head is raised from a scalp Ha, and the hair bundle h3 is applied to the one surface 2 e of the hair measurement tool 1. At that time, the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 is placed on (pressed against) the scalp Ha, which is a root position of the hair bundle h3 of the head model H.

FIG. 6( a) illustrates a state in which the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 is pressed against the scalp Ha in the vicinity of the back of the head (FIG. 4( a) is a view corresponding to a case in which the hair bundle h3 is measured). Since the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 has the concave part 3 formed in the structure as described above, when the one end part 2 a is pressed against the scalp Ha, end parts 3 b, 3 c in the width direction of the concave part 3 come into contact with the scalp Ha. Namely, the curvature of the concave part 3 is slightly smaller than the smallest curvature position of the common human head, and since the curvature of the implanted position of the hair bundle h3 of the head model H is close to the flat surface, a gap from the scalp Ha occurs in the vicinity of the center of the concave part 3, and only the end parts 3 b, 3 c contact the scalp Ha. Therefore, when the hair measurement tool 1 is pressed against the scalp Ha, both end parts 3 b, 3 c come into two-point contact with the scalp Ha, thus the hair measurement tool 1 will not be shaken in the directions of the white arrows of FIG. 6( a) (the right and left directions), and a stable attitude can be maintained (the unstable state as shown by the white arrow directions will not occur).

Furthermore, FIG. 7( a) illustrates a state in which the length of the hair bundle h3 is measured by the hair measurement tool 1. In this measurement, the length of the hair bundle h3, aligned on the one surface 2 e of the hair measurement tool 1, is measured by the scale lines 6 and the intermediate scale lines 7 (or the 1-mm scale lines as described above) indicated on the one surface 2 e. Moreover, when a predetermined volume of hair bundle such as the hair bundle h3 is measured, it is desirable to measure by the total average value, not by the unit of a single hair strand. When this measurement is performed, as explained in FIG. 6( a), as long as the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 is pressed against the scalp Ha, shaking in the right and left directions will not occur, thus a stable measurement can be performed, and with comparative reference between each of the scale lines 6, 7, for example, and the hair as the measurement object, the length can be measured accurately. In addition, since each of the scale lines 6 and 7, for example, are curved lines, the hair tips can be measured along with their curve, thus the trimming of hair tips cut by a natural curved line, in accordance with the curved surface of the scalp Ha, is facilitated.

Moreover, it is also possible to measure the other hair bundles h1 and h2, as illustrated in FIG. 4( a), in the same manner as that of the hair bundle h3 described above. Furthermore, the measurement of hair can be performed, not only by the unit of one hair bundle (hair panel) as described above, but also, of course, by the unit of one hair strand, two hair strands, and when the measurement by the unit of one hair strand, two hair strands is performed by using the hair measurement tool 1 of the present invention, it is useful for detecting natural hair loss, hair breakage, or non-implanted hair.

FIG. 4( b) is a view as seen from the front of the head model H, showing the case of measurement in which the one surface 2 e of the hair measurement tool 1 and the front of the head model H face the same direction. Also in this measurement, hair bundles h10, h11, and h12 as the measurement objects are picked from the head, and these hair bundles h10, h11 and h12 are measured by the hair measurement tool 1, like the case of FIG. 4( a).

FIG. 6( b) illustrates a state in which the one end part 2 a is pressed against the scalp Ha, when the hair measurement tool 1 measures the hair bundle h11 implanted in the vicinity of the top of the head of the head model H of FIG. 4( b). Although the curvature in the vicinity of the top of the head of the head model H is different from the curvature in the vicinity of the back of the head in which the hair bundle h3 is implanted as described in FIG. 6( a), since the curvature of the concave part 3 of the hair measurement tool 1 is slightly smaller than the smallest curvature position of the common human head, also in this case, both end parts 3 b and 3 c of the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 contact the scalp Ha. Accordingly, the hair measurement tool 1 will not be shaken in the directions of the white arrows of FIG. 6( b) (the right and left directions), and a stable length measurement can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a view as seen from the top of the head model H, showing the case of measurement in which the one surface 2 e of the hair measurement tool 1 and the top of the head model H face the same direction. Also in this measurement, hair bundles h20, h21, and h22 as the measurement objects are picked from the head, and these hair bundles h20, h21, and h22 are measured by the hair measurement tool 1, like the case of FIG. 4( a). Also in this case, since the end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 being pressed against the scalp Ha comes into two-point contact as illustrated in FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b), a stable measurement can be performed. Moreover, FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) as well as FIG. 5 are examples of length measurement, and substantially the same measurement can be performed at any other position of the head.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7( b) illustrates a cut state of a hair bundle h30 by the hairdressing scissors S, with the hair measurement tool 1. A desired cut length of the hair bundle h30 is measured in the states such as described above in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, and the crest Sc, which is the opposite side to the blade tip Sb of the cutting blade Sa, is aligned with the notch 4 at the position of the scale line 6 corresponding to the measured cut length. When the crest Sc of the cutting blade Sa is aligned with the notch 4, as explained in FIG. 3( c), the crest Sc of the cutting blade Sa is hooked and caught by the notch 4, and the position of the cutting blade Sa is restricted. Accordingly, the cut position naturally becomes the position indicated by the scale line 6, corresponding to the notch 4 accommodating the crest Sc of the cutting blade Sa, and an accurate cut can be performed at the user's intended length based on the scale line 6.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the hair measurement tool 1 of the embodiment as described above, and many modifications exist. FIG. 8( a) is a plan view showing the essential parts of the hair measurement tool 10 of a first modification, characterized in that, in addition to notches 14 formed on side surfaces 12 c, 12 d corresponding to the scale lines in solid lines, intermediate notches 19 are also formed therein corresponding to the intermediate lines in dashed lines (the other parts are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 of FIG. 1, for example). The intermediate notch 19 is formed in a smaller size than that of the notch 14, for easy distinction from the notch 14 (for example, as compared with the notch 14 having the notch width of about 2 mm and the notch depth of about 1.5 mm, the intermediate notch 19 has the notch width of 1.5 mm and the notch depth of 1 mm). Accordingly, other than with the notches 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7( b), also with the intermediate notches 19, the positioning (position restriction) of the cutting blade Sa of the hairdressing scissors S can be performed, and with the hair measurement tool 10 of the first modification, an accurate cut at more minute unit sizes can be performed.

FIG. 8( b) is a side view showing the essential parts of a hair measurement tool 20 of a second modification, characterized in that each notch 24, provided corresponding to the scale lines in solid lines, is formed on the whole circumferential surfaces of the elongated member constituting the hair measurement tool 20 (the other parts are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 of FIG. 1, for example). Namely, each of the notches 24 on one side surface 22 c, as illustrated in FIG. 8( b), continues to one surface 22 e and another surface 22 f (in FIG. 8( b), the positions shown by “V”-shaped recesses on the one surface 22 e and the other surface 22 f correspond to the notches 24), and furthermore, although not illustrated, the notches 24 also continue to another side surface. With these notches 24 continuously formed on the whole circumferential surfaces, the positioning (position restriction) of the cutting blade of the hairdressing scissors used for haircut can be performed at a desired position by the notch 24 along the whole circumferential direction of the hair measurement tool 20, and when an individual user (beautician, barber) performs a haircut along the direction for easily performing the haircut, the cutting position of the hairdressing scissors can be guided with flexibility.

FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b) are plan views showing one end part 32 a and another end part 32 b of a hair measurement tool 30 of a third modification. Unlike the hair measurement tool 1 shown in FIG. 1, for example, the hair measurement tool 30 of the third modification does not have a concave part in the one end part 32 a, and has a straight-line shape, with the one end part 32 a and the other end part 32 b perpendicular to both side surfaces 32 c, 32 d. Furthermore, each of the scale lines in solid lines and the intermediate scale lines in dashed lines is also a straight line parallel to end surfaces of the one end part 32 a and the other end part 32 b, with notches 34 formed on the side surfaces 32 c, 32 d corresponding to the respective scale lines in solid lines.

And furthermore, the hair measurement tool 30 of the third modification indicates, on one surface 32 e of the one end part 32 a and the other end part 32 b, width scale lines 31 in solid lines and width intermediate scale lines 39 in dashed lines, with intervals at a predetermined length unit in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

The width scale lines 31 indicate the length with intervals every 10 mm from the one side surface 32 d, and a value (10, 20, 30, 40) showing the length from the one side surface 32 d is allotted to each of the width scale lines 31. Furthermore, the intermediate width scale lines 39 are indicated at the intermediate position between the one side surface 32 d and the first width scale line 31, and also at the intermediate positions between each of the second and subsequent width scale lines 31. With the width scale lines 31 and the intermediate width scale lines 39 provided on the one end part 32 a and the other end part 32 b, the width of the hair bundle (hair panel) as the measurement object or the cutting object can be confirmed by the width scale lines 31 and the intermediate width scale lines 39, whereby the volume of the hair bundle (hair panel) as the measurement object or the cutting object can be roughly estimated by the size, that is by the width.

Moreover, the width scale lines 31 and the intermediate width scale lines 39 can be indicated, not only on the one surface 32 e, but also on an end surface of the one end part 32 a or the other end part 32 b, and when the indication is applied to the end surface, it is also possible to confirm the width of the picked hair bundle (hair panel) on the side of the end surface. It is, of course, possible to indicate the width scale lines 31 and the intermediate width scale lines 39 on the other surface on the reverse side of the one surface 32 e. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the width scale lines 31 and the intermediate width scale lines 39 only on either side of the one end part 32 a or the other end part 32 b, and when provided in the one end part 32 a only, the hair bundle width can be measured on the root side from which the hair is growing, and when provided in the other end part 32 b only, the hair bundle width can be measured on the hair tip side.

FIG. 9( c) illustrates one end part 42 a of a hair measurement tool 40 of a fourth modification, and the hair measurement tool 40 of the fourth modification is exactly a combination of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with the hair measurement tool 30 of the third modification as illustrated in FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b), wherein width scale lines 41 in solid lines and intermediate width scale lines 49 in dashed lines are provided in the one end part 42 a, with intervals at a predetermined length unit in the width direction (Y-axis direction) (the other parts are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 of FIG. 1, for example). With the width scale lines 41 and the intermediate width scale lines 49, even at the one end part 42 a in a curve, the width of the hair bundle (hair panel) as the measurement object or the cutting object can be confirmed.

FIG. 10( a) illustrates one end part 52 a of a hair measurement tool 50 of a fifth modification, and the hair measurement tool 50 of the fifth modification is exactly in a shape where a comb part is provided in the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Namely, the hair measurement tool 50 is provided with a comb part 51, having a plurality of comb tines 51 a, in the one end part 52 a, and the other parts are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with the scale lines in curved solid lines and the intermediate scale lines in curved dashed lines, and also with notches 54 formed on side surfaces 52 c, 52 d.

The tips of the comb tines 51 a of the comb part 51 are aligned along an imaginary curved line, whose curve corresponds to the end surface of the one end part 2 a of the concave part 3 of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Accordingly, even when the tips of the comb tines 51 a are pressed against the scalp Ha of the head as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, like the case of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, the length of hair (hair bundle) can be measured with the two-point contact by the comb tines on both ends. Since each of the comb tines 51 a is pressed against the scalp Ha, when taking into account the application for the human head, it is desirable to form the round-shaped tips to some degree, so as not to form steeple-shaped tips. Furthermore, according to the example as illustrated in FIG. 10( a), the tine length of each of the comb tines 51 a is about 5 mm, but the tine length is not limited to this example, and it is possible to apply various lengths in a range from approximately 1-10 mm, and in particular, when a reliable comb function (the function to plow through the hair) is desired, it is desirable to secure a tine length of more than 3 mm.

FIG. 10( b) is a schematic perspective view showing an application of the hair measurement tool 50. Since the hair measurement tool 50 has the comb part 51 in the one end part 52 a, in the case of hair length measurement, when the one end part 52 a is pressed against the scalp Ha, it is possible to plow through hair bundles h40, h41 by the comb tines 51 a of the comb part 51 provided in the one end part 52 a. Furthermore, since each of the individual hair strands constituting the plowed-through hair bundles h40, h41 enters the space between each of the comb tines 51 a, the tips of the comb tines 51 a can contact the scalp Ha. Accordingly, even when the thick hair (hair bundle) of the head is measured, with the plow-through of hair by the comb part 51, the one end part 52 a (the tips of the comb tines 51 a) of the hair measurement tool 50 of the fifth modification can be securely pressed against the scalp, whereby the hair length can be measured accurately.

FIG. 11( a) is a plan view showing one end part 62 a of a hair measurement tool 60 of a sixth modification. The hair measurement tool 60 of the sixth modification is chiefly a modification of the shape of the concave part 3 of the one end part 2 a of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Namely, the hair measurement tool 60 is characterized so that both end parts 63 b, 63 c of a concave part 63 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) are in round shapes (arc shapes with R), not in steeple shapes of the end parts 3 b, 3 c of the concave part 3 of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. Furthermore, the curvature (degree of curve) of the concave part 63 is larger than the concave part 3 of FIG. 1, so that a center part 63 a of the concave part 63 recesses deeper than that of FIG. 1.

In addition, unlike the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, scale lines 66 in solid lines and intermediate scale lines 67 in dashed lines indicated on one surface 62 e of the hair measurement tool 60 are straight lines. This is because, since the degree of the curvature of the concave part 63 is larger than that of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, if curved lines like those of the hair measurement tool 1 are applied, the degree of curvature of each scale line will become too large, and the length measurement cannot be performed easily. Therefore, for the purpose of avoiding such a situation, the scale lines 66 and the intermediate scale lines 67 are straight lines (the scale lines 66 and the intermediate scale lines 67 are straight lines perpendicular to side surfaces 62 c, 62 d). Moreover, the other parts of the hair measurement tool 60 are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with notches 64 formed on the side surfaces 62 c, 62 d. When the one end part 62 a of the hair measurement tool 60 is pressed against the scalp, since both end parts 63 b, 63 c of the concave part 63 contacting the scalp are in round shapes, a gentle feeling is given to the scalp on contact, and at the same time, since the end parts 63 b, 63 c come into contact corresponding to the curvature of the scalp, a secure two-point contact can be obtained.

FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c) are plan views showing one end part 72 a and another end part 72 b of a hair measurement tool 70 of a seventh modification. The one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification is in an oblique shape and curve in the length direction (X-axis direction), forming a concave part 73 having a recessed substantial center part 73 a. The oblique side of the concave part 73, inclining at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the length direction (X-axis direction), has the curvature equivalent to that of the concave part 3 of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example.

With the concave part 73 of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification, in a state of being pressed against the head, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is aligned with the absolute vertical direction or the absolute horizontal direction, facilitating user-friendliness as an index matching the sense of direction of the user (beautician or barber). Namely, when the user (beautician or barber) performs a haircut or hair setting, the user will unconsciously utilize lines indicating the vertical direction or lines indicating the horizontal direction existing around the working space, such as the vertical lines or the horizontal lines of rectangular mirror frames, or the vertical lines or the horizontal lines of cabinet, as the rough index for a substantially vertical direction or a substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, since the position of the hair measurement tool 70 pressed against the scalp can indicate a substantially vertical direction or a substantially horizontal direction, the attitude thereof is aligned with the vertical lines in the vertical direction or the horizontal lines in the horizontal direction existing as a rough index in the working space of the user, matching the sense of direction of the user, effective for practical usage (see FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b)).

Furthermore, scale lines 76 in solid lines and intermediate scale lines 77 in dashed lines indicated on one surface 72 e of the hair measurement tool 70 are curved lines having the same curvature as those of the concave part 73 (the concave part). Moreover, at the other end part 72 b of the hair measurement tool 70, as illustrated in FIG. 11( c), the scale lines 76 and the intermediate scale lines 77 are discontinued, due to their oblique curved lines, on the side of a side surface 72 d in the upper part of the drawing. The other parts of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, and notches 74 are formed on a side surface 72 c and the side surface 72 d.

FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b) illustrate applications of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification for the head model H. Moreover, like the cases of FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) as well as FIG. 5, also in FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b), for the purpose of clarifying the applications, all the hair is omitted, and the hair (head of hair) is illustrated only in the necessary parts (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 20, 21, 23 and 24).

FIG. 12( a) is a view as seen from the side of the head model H, showing the case of measurement in which the one surface 72 e or another surface 72 f of the hair measurement tool 70, and the side of the head model H, are aligned with each other. For example, when the length of a hair bundle h50, implanted in the vicinity of the neck at the back of the head of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp in a state in which the one surface 72 e and the side of the head model H face the same direction. Here, the scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the neck at the back of the head is an oblique downward curved surface, as illustrated by a left-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( a), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this downward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the horizontal direction.

In addition, also when the length of a hair bundle h51, implanted in the vicinity of the rear at the top of the head of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the one surface 72 e and the side of the head model H are aligned with each other. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the rear at the top of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a right-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( a), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, when the length of a hair bundle h52, implanted in the vicinity of the front at the top of the head of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the other surface 72 f and the side of the head model H are aligned with each other. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the front at the top of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a left-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( a), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the vertical direction.

On the other hand, FIG. 12( b) is a view as seen from the front of the head model H, showing the case of measurement in which the one surface 72 e or the other surface 72 f of the hair measurement tool 70, and the front of the head model H, face the same direction. For example, when the length of a hair bundle h53, implanted in the vicinity of the left upper part of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the other surface 72 f and the front of the head model H face the same direction. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the upper part at one side of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a right-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( b), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, when the length of a hair bundle h54, implanted in the vicinity of the left part at the top of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the one surface 72 e and the front of the head model H face the same direction. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the left part at the top of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a right-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( b), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the vertical direction.

In addition, when the length of a hair bundle h55, implanted in the vicinity of the right part at the top of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the other surface 72 f and the front of the head model H face the same direction. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the right part at the top of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a left-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( b), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the vertical direction.

And furthermore, when the length of a hair bundle h56, implanted in the vicinity of the right upper part of the head model H, is measured, the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the one surface 72 e and the front of the head model H face the same direction. The scalp Ha of the head model H in the vicinity of the upper part at the right side of the head is an oblique upward curved surface, as illustrated by a left-oriented downward line in FIG. 12( b), and when the one end part 72 a of the hair measurement tool 70 is pressed against this upward curved surface of the scalp Ha, because of the shape of the concave part 73 of the one end part 72 a, the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 is substantially directed in the horizontal direction.

As described above, with the oblique one end part 72 a, in a state of being pressed against the head (scalp), since the attitude of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification can be aligned easily along a substantially vertical direction or a substantially horizontal direction, the usage matching up with the sense of direction of the user (beautician or barber) can be realized.

FIGS. 13( a) to (c) illustrate a hair measurement tool 80 of an eighth modification. The hair measurement tool 80 is formed by an elongated plate member, made of synthetic resin having flexibility capable of elastic deformation, so as to be warped in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The plate thickness of the hair measurement tool 80 is less than 1 mm, and as illustrated in FIG. 13( a), when the user grasps both side surfaces 82 c, 82 d and increases the grip strength so as to close the thumb and the index finger together, then as illustrated in FIG. 13( b), an end surface of one end part 82 a elastically deforms so as to form a warped shape (the hair measurement tool 80 as a whole becomes a gutter shape by elastic deformation). Furthermore, when the grip strength is reduced, it returns to a flat state. Moreover, the other parts of the hair measurement tool 80 of the eighth modification are substantially the same as those of the hair measurement tool 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, with notches 84 formed on the side surfaces 82 c, 82 d (a concave part is formed at the one end part 82 a placed on the scalp).

With the hair measurement tool 80 having the above characteristics, in a warped state in the width direction as illustrated in FIG. 13( c), when a hair bundle 60 as the length measurement object is placed on one surface 82 e, as compared with the flat state, the hair bundle 60 will not drop easily from the one surface 82 e, and stable measurements can be performed. Furthermore, in the warped state as described above, when the one end part 82 a of the hair measurement tool 80 is pressed against the scalp of the head, since the end surface of the one end part 82 a is curved because of a concave part, both end parts and a center part in the warped state, namely three points in total, come into contact with the scalp, and as compared with the flat state, a more stable pressed state can be secured, and also from this viewpoint, stable measurements can be performed.

Moreover, as a further modification of the eighth modification, the elongated member constituting the hair measurement tool, maintaining the warped state, can be formed by synthetic resin, and with this structure, as illustrated in FIG. 13( a), the hair measurement tool in the warped state, without requiring grip strength, can be provided. Furthermore, when the hair measurement tool in the warped state, not in the flat state, is formed by synthetic resin, other than the warped state (substantially in “U”-shape), a bent state (deflected to form a substantially “V”-shaped bent) can also be formed, and in addition, modifications with various depths of warp (or bent) can be provided.

FIGS. 14( a) to (c) illustrate a hair measurement tool 90 of a ninth modification. The hair measurement tool 90 is formed by a plate member elongating in the length direction (X-axis direction), in a state of being folded along the length direction. In particular, a first plate part 91 as one part to be folded over, and a second plate part 92 as another part, are connected by one side part 99 elongated in the length direction (a side part on the connecting side of folding over), and the side surfaces 91 c, 92 d of the respective plate parts 91, 92, namely the side parts on the other side (the side parts on the opening side), can be opened and closed by making the one side part 99 the pivot. The hair measurement tool 90 with this structure is formed integrally by synthetic resin, and since the one side part 99 connecting both parts 91, 92 has a hinge-like flexibility, the one side part 99 elastically deforms so as to allow opening and closing of both parts 91, 92.

The structure of each of the plate parts 91, 92 is essentially equivalent to the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification as illustrated in FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c), with a concave part 93 at one end parts 91 a, 92 a, also with scale lines in solid lines and intermediate scale lines in dashed lines indicated on one of surfaces 91 e, 92 e and another one of surfaces 91 f, 92 f, and with notches 94 formed on one of the side surfaces 91 c, 92 c.

Furthermore, on the other side surfaces 91 d, 92 d connecting the first plate member 91 and the second plate member 92, the one side part 99 is substantially formed in a slim stick shape, and notches 94 are also formed in this one side part 99 corresponding to each of the positions of the scale lines in solid lines as described above (see FIG. 14( b)).

And furthermore, for the purpose of maintaining the closed state of the first plate part 91 and the second plate part 92, the hair measurement tool 90 has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is composed of stick-shaped projections 91 g projecting from the other surface 91 f in the vicinity of the one end part 91 a and in the vicinity of the other end part 91 b of the first plate part 91, and locking holes 92 g formed in the second plate part 92 so as to face these projections 91 g, respectively. The hole diameter of the locking hole 92 g and the outer diameter of the projection 91 g are determined according to the size relationships of the so-called “transition fit” or “interference fit” in the field of “fitting” in machine design. Accordingly, when the projections 91 g, respectively formed in the vicinity of the one end part 91 a and in the vicinity of the other end part 91 b, are inserted into the locking holes 92 g, respectively formed in the vicinity of the one end part 92 a and in the vicinity of the other end part 92 b, the projections 91 g are fit into (locked by) the locking holes 92 g, and the first plate part 91 and the second plate part 92 are folded over and achieve an integrated state (see FIG. 14( b) and the drawing on the left of FIG. 14( c)).

Furthermore, from the closed state of the first plate part 91 and the second plate part 92, when each of the side surfaces 91 c, 92 c is open, the projections 91 g come out of the locking holes 92 g, and the first plate part 91 and the second plate part 92 are open by making the one side part 99 as the pivot, and the cross section thereof in the width direction becomes a “V” shape (see FIG. 14( c)).

Regardless of whether it is open or closed, the hair measurement tool 90 of the ninth modification as described above can be used for hair length measurement, for example, and in the closed state, it is possible to use in substantially the same manner as the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification, as illustrated in FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c) as well as in FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b).

Furthermore, FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the one end parts 91 a, 92 a of the hair measurement tool 90 in the open state are pressed against the scalp Ha in the vicinity of the neck at the back of the head of the head model H. In this case, since the hair measurement tool 90 is open, at the one end parts 91 a, 92 a pressed against the scalp Ha, the two end parts of a curved oblique side part 93 on the sides of the side surfaces 91 c, 92 c, and the end surface of the one side part 99, for a total of three points, come into contact with the scalp Ha. Therefore, the hair measurement tool 90 in the pressed state will not be shaken in the upward/downward or right/left directions (the directions of the white arrows of FIG. 15), thus a stable attitude can be maintained, and more stable length measurements can be performed.

In addition, in the open state of the “V”-shape, since the hair or hair bundle as the measurement object can be accommodated in a space between the first plate part 91 and the second plate part 92, the drop-off of the hair or hair bundle as the measurement object can be prevented, and a stable measurement can be performed. Moreover, since the one end parts 91 a, 92 a of the hair measurement tool 90 of the ninth modification form the curved oblique side part 93, like the case of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification as illustrated in FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b), it is also possible to be pressed against the head in the attitude aligning with the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, whereby a usage consistent with the sense of direction of the user (beautician or barber) can be realized.

FIGS. 16( a) and 16(b) illustrate a hair measurement tool 100 according to a tenth modification. As compared with the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification of FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c), the hair measurement tool 100 has a form in which the curved parts are modified to be straight. Namely, with reference to the hair measurement tool 100, one end part 102 a is formed as a mere oblique straight line part 103, and no concave is formed at a center part 103 a (moreover, although the angle of the oblique straight line part 103 to side surfaces 102 c, 102 d is 45 degrees, the angle is not limited to this value).

Furthermore, scale lines 106 and intermediate lines 107 indicated on one surface 102 e of the hair measurement tool 100 are also oblique straight lines parallel to the oblique straight line part 103 of the one end part 102 a. These scale lines 106 and the intermediate scale lines 107 are indicated on the one surface 102 e from the one end part 102 a to another end part 102 b, and discontinue at the other end part 102 b, since the other end part 102 b is in a straight line perpendicular to side surfaces 102 c and 102 d. Moreover, another surface on the reverse side of the one surface 102 e of the hair measurement tool 100 is substantially the same as the one surface 102 e, and notches 104 are formed on the side surfaces 102 c, 102 d, at the positions corresponding to the scale lines 106, like the cases as described above.

Since the scale lines 106 and the intermediate scale lines 107 of the hair measurement tool 100 are straight oblique lines, the user can intuitively determine the cut length without difficulties, and this is suitable for users who cannot manage the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification.

FIGS. 17 through 21 illustrate a hair measurement tool 110 according to an eleventh modification, as a further modification of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification of FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c), suitable for hair length measurement, for example, along an angular direction of a desired hair setting. Namely, as illustrated in FIGS. 17( a) and 17(b), one end part 112 a of an elongated member 112 of the hair measurement tool 110 according to the eleventh modification is aligned with an imaginary oblique line K1 at an angle of 45 degrees to the X axis as illustrated in FIG. 17( c) (when referring to the hair measurement tool 70 of FIGS. 11( a) and 11(b) as the standard, corresponding to 135 degrees relative to the X axis), and a curved concave part 113 is formed so that an approximate center 113 a is the innermost part, and in addition, at an end part 113 b on the side of one side surface 112 d, the curve direction changes to form a projecting curve. Therefore, the one end part 112 a has a combined curved line, composed of a recessing curved line of the concave part 113, and a projecting curved line of the end part 113 b of the one side surface 112 d, connected at the inflection point, so that the imaginary straight oblique line K1 is tangent to the one end part 113 b and another end part 113 c. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 17( a), the hair measurement tool 110 has a mark 114 indicating that the angle relative to the one end part 112 a is 45 degrees, on one surface 112 e in the vicinity of the one end part 112 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 17( a), scale lines 116 and intermediate scale lines 117, in the same curve as that of the one end part 112 a, are indicated on the one surface 112 e of the hair measurement tool 110. These scale lines 116 and the intermediate scale lines 117 are indicated with predetermined intervals from the one end part 112 a to another end part 112 b, like the case of the other embodiment and modifications as described above. Moreover, the hair measurement tool 110 indicates a center line 119 from the one end part 112 a to the other end part 112 b, at the center in the width direction of the one surface 112 e. And furthermore, distances from the one end part 112 a are indicated on each of the scale lines 116 of the hair measurement tool 110, on both sides as seen from the center line 119.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 17( b), the shape of the other end part 112 b of the hair measurement tool 110 is based on an inclined angle different from that of the one end part 112 a. Namely, as illustrated in FIG. 18( c), the other end part 112 b of the hair measurement tool 110 is aligned with an imaginary oblique line K2 at the angle of 22.5 degrees to the X axis, and a curved concave part 118 is formed so that an approximate center 118 a is the innermost part, and at an end part 118 b on the side of the other side surface 112 c, the curve direction changes to form a projecting curve. Since this shape of the other end part 112 b on the one surface 112 e is different from the curved lines of the scale lines 116 and the intermediate scale lines 117 as described above, an area without indication of the scale lines 116 or the intermediate scale lines 117 exists in proximity to the other end part 112 b on the one surface 112 e. Moreover, FIG. 17( b) illustrates the vicinity of the other end part 112 b as seen from the one surface 112 e, while FIG. 18( c) illustrates the vicinity of the other end part 112 b as seen from another surface 112 f.

As described above, the other end part 112 b has a combined curved line, composed of a recessing curved line of the concave part 118, and a projecting curved line of the end part 118 b of the other side surface 112 c, connected at the inflection point, so that the imaginary straight oblique line K2 is tangent to the one end part 118 b on the side of the other side surface 112 c and another end part 118 c on the side of the one side surface 112 d (see FIG. 18( c)).

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 18( a) and 18(b), the other surface 112 f of the hair measurement tool 110 indicates scale lines 116′ and intermediate scale lines 117′ in the same curve as that of the other end part 112 b. The scale lines 116′ and the intermediate scale lines 117′ are indicated with predetermined intervals from the other end part 112 b to the one end part 112 a, showing distances from the other end part 112 b on each of the scale lines 116′, on both sides as seen from the center line 119. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 18( b), the hair measurement tool 110 has a mark 114′ indicating that the angle to the other end part 112 b is 22.5 degrees, on the other surface 112 f in the vicinity of the other end part 112 b. Moreover, since the shape of the curved lines of the scale lines 116′ and the intermediate scale lines 117′ as described above are different from the shape of the one end part 112 a, as illustrated in FIG. 18( a), an area without indication of the scale lines 116′ or the intermediate scale lines 117′ exists in proximity to one end part 112 a on the other surface 112 f.

FIG. 19( a) illustrates a plurality of first through third angled lines 115 a-115 c, respectively indicated at the center between the one end part 112 a and the other end part 112 b on the one surface 112 e of the hair measurement tool 110. The first angled line 115 a is a straight line perpendicular to the center line 119 (parallel to the Y axis); the second angled line 115 b is a straight line inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the center line 119, and the third angled line 115 c is a straight line inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the center line 119 on the side opposite to the second angled line 115 b (the third angled line 115 c and the second angled line 115 b are symmetrical with respect to the center line 119, and the third angled line 115 c is parallel to the imaginary oblique line K1 as illustrated in FIG. 17( c)). The first, second, and third angled lines 115 a-115 c are indicated at three positions in total on the one surface 112 e with intervals, in particular, at positions of about 140 mm, about 240 mm, and at about 340 mm, respectively, from the one end part 112 a, and at these three positions, the direction along which hair is picked can be confirmed by the first, second, and third angled lines 115 a-115 c.

FIG. 19( b) illustrates a plurality of first through seventh angled lines 115 a-115 g, respectively indicated at the center between the one end part 112 a and the other end part 112 b on the other surface 112 f of the hair measurement tool 110. The first through third angled lines 115 a-115 c are the same as those on the one surface 112 e as described above. Furthermore, the fourth angled line 115 d is a straight line inclined at an angle of 22.5 degrees to the center line 119 (parallel to the imaginary oblique line K2 as illustrated in FIG. 18( c)), the fifth angled line 115 e is a straight line inclined at an angle of 67.5 degrees to the center line 119, the sixth angled line 115 f is a straight line inclined at an angle of 112.5 degrees to the center line 119, and the seventh angled line 115 g is a straight line inclined at an angle of 157.5 degrees to the center line 119. Moreover, the fourth angled line 115 d and the fifth angled line 115 e, and the seventh angled line 115 g and the sixth angled line 115 f, are symmetrical, respectively, with relation to the center line 119. The first through seventh angled lines 115 a-115 g are indicated at three positions in total on the other surface 112 f with intervals, in particular, at positions of about 80 mm, about 180 mm and at about 330 mm, respectively from the other end part 112 b, and at these three positions, the direction along which hair is picked can be confirmed by the first through seventh angled lines 115 a-115 g.

Moreover, for the purpose of avoiding complicated drawings, FIGS. 17( a) and 17(b) as well as FIGS. 18( a) and 18(b), as described above, omit the illustration of 1-mm unit scale lines, and each of the various scale lines is not illustrated in FIG. 17( c), FIG. 18( c) as well as FIGS. 19( a) and 19(b). Furthermore, unlike the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification of FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c) as described above, since the hair measurement tool 110 according to the eleventh modification does not form notches for positioning the crest of hairdressing scissors, the elongated member 112 uses a thin material at a thickness of 1 mm for the purpose of weight saving (it is of course possible to form notches in the hair measurement tool 110 of the eleventh modification, like the case of the hair measurement tool 70 of the seventh modification).

FIGS. 20( a) and 20(b) illustrate states in which the hair measurement tool 110 of the eleventh modification is used for the head model H. FIG. 20( a) is a view as seen from the side of the head model H, showing the state in which the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against (placed on) the scalp Ha of the head model H. For example, when the hair bundle h61, implanted in the vicinity of the neck at the back of the head of the head model H, is measured, for the purpose of coordinating with the natural direction of hair implantation (backward direction), the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the one surface 112 e and the side of the head model H face the same direction. At that time, since the concave part 113 is formed at the one end part 112 a, the end parts 113 b and 113 c as illustrated in FIGS. 17( a) and 17(c), namely the two points come into contact with the scalp Ha, thus the hair measurement tool 110 in a pressed state is maintained in a stable attitude, and the accurate measurement can be performed.

Here, as illustrated by the imaginary oblique line K1 of FIG. 17( c), since the one end part 112 a is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees to the X axis, the length measurement at an angle of 45 degrees to the curved surface of the scalp Ha, into which the hair bundle h61 is implanted, can be performed easily, and when a desired hair set direction is at an angle of 45 degrees to the scalp Ha, an accurate length measurement relative to the hair set direction can be performed. In this case, since the direction at an angle of 45 degrees to the scalp position, against which the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed, is along the direction of the center line 119, an angle of 45 degrees to the scalp can be understood easily by looking at the center line 119. Furthermore, with the first through third angled lines 115 a-115 c as illustrated in FIG. 19( a), with reference to the inclined direction at an angle of 45 degrees as the standard (the center line 119 serves as the standard line), the angles of 45 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the standard (the center line 119 as the standard line) can be determined by the second angled line 115 b and the third angled line 115 c, and the direction of picking the hair bundle along various angular directions can be measured accurately.

In addition, also in the case of measuring a hair bundle h62 implanted in the vicinity of the rear at the top of the head of the head model H, like the case as described above, the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp Ha. Also in this case, similarly as above, the length measurement in the direction at an angle of 45 degrees to the curved surface of the scalp Ha, into which the hair bundle h62 is implanted, can be performed securely.

Furthermore, when the lengths of the hair bundles h63, h64, respectively implanted in the vicinity of the front at the top of the head model H, are measured, for the purpose of coordinating with the direction of hair implantation (forward direction), the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp Ha in a state in which the other surface 112 f and the side of the head model H face the same direction. Accordingly, the length measurement in the direction at an angle of 45 degrees to the curved surface of the scalp Ha, into which the hair bundles h63, h64 are implanted, can be performed securely. Moreover, further in this case, it is also possible to understand various angular directions by the angled lines 115 a-115 g indicated on the other surface 112 f. Moreover, unlike the direction of hair implantation, in the case of stand-up hair setting, in a state where the one surface 112 e and the side of the head model H face the same direction, the one end part 112 a is pressed against the positions of the scalp Ha into which the hair bundles h63, h64 are implanted.

Meanwhile, FIG. 20( b) is a view as seen from the front of the head model H, and when taking into account the hair set direction after haircut, the measurement is performed in a state where the one surface 112 e or the other surface 112 f of the hair measurement tool 110, and the front of the head model H, face the same direction. For example, when the length of a hair bundle h71, implanted in the vicinity of the left side of the head of the head model H, is measured, in order to coordinate with the downward-oriented hair, the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp in a state where the one surface 112 e and the front of the head model H face the same direction. With the concaved part 113 of the one end part 112 a, the hair measurement tool 110 maintains a stable attitude, whereby length measurements at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the curved surface of the scalp position, into which the hair bundle h71 is implanted, can be performed.

Furthermore, in regard to the other hair bundles h72, h73 and h74, the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp in a state where the one surface 112 e or the other surface 112 f, and the front of the head model H, face the same direction. Accordingly, a length measurement at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the curved surfaces of the scalp positions, into which the hair bundles h72, h73 and h74 are implanted respectively, can be performed. Moreover, in the case of stand-up hair setting after a haircut, the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 may be pressed against the scalp in a state where the one surface 112 e or the other surface 112 f, and the front of the head model H, face the same direction, unlike the state as illustrated in FIG. 20( b) (for example, when the stand-up hair set of the hair bundle h72 is performed, the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp in a state where the other surface 112 f faces forward toward the head).

Moreover, although FIGS. 20( a) and 20(b) respectively illustrate the state where the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp, when the hair is set after a haircut so that it traces the shape of the scalp, it is preferable to press the other end part 112 b against the scalp. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 18( c), since the other end part 112 b is inclined at an angle of 22.5 degrees, the length measurement at an angle of 22.5 degrees to the curved surface of the scalp at the pressed position, can be performed (the direction at the angle of 22.5 degrees to the pressed position can be confirmed by the center line 119).

FIGS. 21( a) and 21(b) are views as seen from the top of the head model H, showing states in which the one end part 112 a or the other end part 112 b is pressed against the scalp Ha. Namely, FIG. 21( a) illustrates the states in which the one end part 112 a of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp Ha, wherein the one surface 112 e of the hair measurement tool 110 and the top of the head model H face the same direction for hair bundles h81, h84 at cater-cornered positions, and the other surface 112 f and the top of the head model H face the same direction for hair bundles h82, h83 at the other cater-cornered positions. By pressing the hair measurement tool 110, the length measurement at an angle of 45 degrees, namely in the natural hair direction, can be performed at the implanted position of each of the hair bundles h81 through h84 (the direction at an angle of 45 degrees is the direction of the center line 119).

Furthermore, FIG. 21( b) illustrates states in which the other end part 112 b of the hair measurement tool 110 is pressed against the scalp Ha, wherein the one surface 112 e of the hair measurement tool 110 and the top of the head model H face the same direction for hair bundles h91, h93 at cater-cornered positions, and the other surface 112 f and the top of the head model H face the same direction for hair bundles h92, h94 at the other cater-cornered positions. By pressing the hair measurement tool 110, a length measurement at an angle of 22.5 degrees can be performed at the implanted position for each of the hair bundles h91 through h94 (the direction at an angle of 22.5 degrees is the direction of the center line 119).

As described above, since the inclined angles of the one end part 112 a and the other end part 112 b of the hair measurement tool 110 of the eleventh modification are different, the length measurement at two angles (for example, 45 degrees and 22.5 degrees) relative to the scalp can be performed by appropriately changing the side that is pressed against the scalp (see the pressing states of FIG. 21( a) and the pressing states of FIG. 21( b)). Furthermore, when the one surface 112 e and the other surface 112 f are reversed appropriately, the length measurement can be performed at two more angles relative to the scalp (for example, 135 degrees against the above 45 degrees, and 157.5 degrees against the above 22.5 degrees) (see FIGS. 20( a) and 20(b)). Besides, with reference to each of the angled lines 115 a-115 g and the center line 119 indicated on the one surface 112 e and the other surface 112 f, various angles can be confirmed, whereby various directions to pick up hair as the length measurement object can be confirmed.

FIGS. 22( a) and 22(b) illustrate a hair measurement tool 120 according to a twelfth modification of the present invention. The hair measurement tool 120 is a modification of the hair measurement tool 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, characterized by another concave part (auxiliary concave part 131) that is formed at an approximate center part 122 g of one side surface 122 c in the length direction of an elongated member 122 (corresponding to one part of a peripheral part of the elongated member). This auxiliary concave part 131 is an arc-shaped (fan-shaped) cutout of the approximate center part 122 g, and the curvature of the arc is equivalent to that of a concave part 123 formed at one end part 122 a, and it is also desirable, for example, to be equivalent to the curvature around the human neck (R=100, for example).

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 22( a), the hair measurement tool 120 indicates a protractor mark 125 above the auxiliary concave 131 on the one surface 122 e, and also indicates a plurality of angled lines 125 a-125 g (corresponding to auxiliary angled lines) in accordance with this protractor mark 125. Each of the angled lines 125 a-125 g indicates the same angle as that of each of the angled lines 115 a-115 g illustrated in FIG. 19( b), and the intersection of the angled lines 125 a-125 g coincides with the center of the protractor mark 125, and also coincides with the apex of the auxiliary concave part 131. Furthermore, the hair measurement tool 120 indicates a center line 129 on the one surface 122 e showing the center in the width direction, and also indicates angle marks 124 (an angle of 90 degrees relative to the length direction of the X axis) for the one end part 122 a.

And furthermore, the other end part 122 b of the hair measurement tool 120 is in a straight-line shape along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the parts other than described above on the one surface 122 e of the hair measurement tool 120 are equivalent to those of the embodiment and modification as described above. In particular, like the case of FIG. 9( c), width scale lines 114 are indicated, and curved scale lines 126 that are substantially the same as those of FIG. 2( a), for example, are indicated (FIGS. 22( a) and 22(b) omit the indication of various scale lines, such as intermediate scale lines, and distances, for example). Moreover, other than those as illustrated in FIGS. 2( a) and 2(c), the distances from the one end part 122 a may be indicated, for example, both on the side of one side surface 125 c and on the side of another side surface 125 d for the scale lines 126, and each of the values is indicated symmetrically by designating the center line 129 as the symmetrical center. With the indication of values in this direction, the distance can be confirmed by the value on any one side, regardless of whether it is viewed at the side surface 125 c or 125 d. Moreover, the distances regarding the intermediate scale lines may also be indicated along the center line 129.

FIG. 22( b) illustrates another surface 122 f of the hair measurement tool 120. Basically, the other surface 122 f also has scale lines as illustrated in FIG. 9( a), with the indication of width scale lines 114′ and straight scale lines 126′. Moreover, the center line 129 elongating in the X-axis direction at the center in the width direction is also indicated, and although not illustrated, distances from the other end part 122 b are indicated corresponding to the scale lines 126′, like the case of the one surface 122 e.

Furthermore, the hair measurement tool 120 indicates a protractor mark 125′ showing concentric arcs with predetermined intervals, for the arc-shaped curve line of the auxiliary concave part 131 formed at the approximate center part 122 g in the length direction, and a plurality of angled lines 125 a′-125 g′ (corresponding to auxiliary angled lines) in dashed lines are indicated in accordance with the center of the protractor mark 125′. The angles of the angled lines 125 a′-125 g′ are equivalent to those of the angled lines 125 a-125 g indicated on the one surface 122 e. Moreover, the angled line 125 a′ coincides with the scale line 126′ at the position in the vicinity of the approximate center part 122 g.

In addition, the hair measurement tool 120 also indicates an auxiliary protractor mark 132 in the vicinity of the one end part 122 a on the other surface 122 f, and also indicates angled lines 132 b-132 g, respectively elongating from the center of the auxiliary protractor mark 132. The angles of the angled lines 132 b-132 g are the same as those of the angled lines 125 b-125 g described above. Based on the angled lines 132 b-132 g, the hair measurement tool 120 can perform measurements related to haircut direction also at the one end part 122 a. Moreover, the hair measurement tool 120 according to the twelfth modification has no notch on either side surface for the positioning of hairdressing scissors, and the thickness of the elongated member 122 made of synthetic resin, constituting the hair measurement tool 120, is about 1 mm.

Like the cases of FIGS. 4 and 5, the hair measurement tool 120 can stably measure the length of the hair bundle with the two-point contact of both end parts 123 b, 123 c of the concave part 123 by pressing the one end part 122 a against each part of the scalp. Furthermore, even in the pressed state, the angle of the hair bundle (the direction along which the hair bundle is picked) can be confirmed by the angled lines 132 b-132 g and the center line 129 indicated on the other surface 122 f, and in particular, the direction perpendicular to the pressed part of the scalp can be confirmed by the center line 129, and furthermore, the length can be measured by taking into account the haircut and hair setting direction by the angled lines 132 b-132 g.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 23( a) and 23(b) as well as in FIG. 24( a), the hair measurement tool 120 according to the twelfth modification can measure the angular direction of hair easily and more stably. Namely, when the auxiliary concave part 131, provided at the approximate center part 122 g in the length direction, is placed on the scalp Ha of the head model H, based on each of the angled lines 125 a-125 g indicated on the one surface 122 e or each of the angled lines 125 a′-125 g′, indicated on the other surface 122 f, the measurement of haircut direction (measurement of hair angle) can be performed.

When the auxiliary concave part 131 is placed, as compared with the case where the one end part 122 a is placed, since the angled lines 125 b, 125 c, 125 f, 125 g, 125 b′, 125 c′, 125 f and 125 g′, respectively extending in the lateral direction at an angle of 22.5 degrees or 45 degrees, are indicated by lines, which are longer than the angled lines 132 b, 132 c, 132 f and 132 g indicated on the one end part 122 a at the same angles, it is advantageous that the angle can be measured more easily with longer lines. In addition, when the auxiliary concave part 131 is placed, since the dimensions are pressed along the width direction of the hair measurement tool 120, the dimensions become considerably shorter than in the case of pressing one end part 122 a, and therefore, the hair as the measurement object can be picked up easily without interference by the hair measurement tool 120. Furthermore, when the auxiliary concave part 131 of the hair measurement tool 120 in the direction corresponding to the back of the head, as illustrated in FIG. 24( a), is placed on the back of the neck (scruff), the direction of the hair neckline (the direction of hair tips), for example, can be measured by the angled lines 125 a-125 g and 125 a′-125 g′. Furthermore, with the hair measurement tool 120 in the direction corresponding to the front of the head as illustrated in FIG. 24( a), the direction of each of hair panels (the direction of the hair tips) forming the front hair can also be measured by the angled lines 125 a-125 g and 125 a′-125 g′.

Besides, when the auxiliary concave part 131 is placed, since the hair measurement tool 120 is set in a connective attitude to the curved surface of the scalp, as compared to the attitude projecting in the normal line direction of the curved surface of the scalp when the one end part 122 a is pressed (see FIGS. 4 and 5, for example), the user can handle the hair measurement tool 120 more easily.

And furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 24( b), when the auxiliary concave part 131 is placed on the scalp Ha, since both end parts 131 a, 131 b of the auxiliary concave part 131 only come into two-point contact, the hair measurement tool 120 will not become unstable in a placed state, and the measurements can be performed while positioned in a stable attitude. Accordingly, for example, when the auxiliary concave parts 131 are placed on the front, top and back of the head as seen from the side viewpoint of FIG. 23( a), or when the auxiliary concave parts 131 are placed on the left side, top and right side of the head as seen from the front viewpoint of FIG. 23( b), or when the auxiliary concave parts 131 are placed on the front and back of the head as seen from the top viewpoint of FIG. 24( a), the hair measurement tool 120 can maintain a stable attitude, whereby more accurate angle measurements can be realized. Moreover, with reference to FIG. 24( a), for the purpose of clearly understanding the direction of the head, the drawing is prepared so that the eyes and the nose can be seen through the auxiliary concave part 131 placed on the front of the head.

Moreover, the structure of the hair measurement tool 1, as well as those of the hair measurement tools 10-120 of the first through twelfth modifications, may be combined arbitrarily. For example, the intermediate notches 19 for the hair measurement tool 10 of the first modification, as illustrated in FIG. 8( a), may also be applied to the hair measurement tools 20-120 of the second through twelfth modifications. And besides, the notches 24 formed on the whole circumferential surfaces for the hair measurement tool 20 of the second modification, as illustrated in FIG. 8( b), may also be applied to the hair measurement tool 10 of the first modification as well as to the hair measurement tools 30-120 of the third through twelfth modifications. And furthermore, the comb part 51 of the hair measurement tool 50 of the fifth modification, as illustrated in FIGS. 10( a) and 10(b), may also be applied to the hair measurement tools 70-120 of the seventh through twelfth modifications.

Furthermore, for the hair measurement tool 1 of FIG. 1, for example, the hair measurement tools 10-120 of the first through twelfth modifications, and the various combination examples described above, as a whole, it is not necessary to indicate the scale lines and the intermediate scale lines in the whole circumferential surfaces, and they may be indicated only on the necessary surfaces. In addition, when the elongated member constituting the hair measurement tool is made of transparent material, with the scale lines and the intermediate scale lines, for example, indicated only on one surface, it is preferable that the scale lines and the intermediate scale lines, for example, can be confirmed from the other transparent surface, for example. And in addition, for the hair measurement tool 1 of FIG. 1, for example, the hair measurement tools 10-90 of the first through ninth modifications, and the various combination examples described above, as a whole, where the positioning (position restriction) of the hairdressing scissors S as illustrated in FIG. 7( b), for example, is not required and hair (hair bundle) length measurement is the main application, the notches (and the intermediate notches) as described above may be omitted. Furthermore, as the measurement unit of the scale lines related to the length of the various hair measurement tools 10-120, as described above, it is of course possible to apply any unit other than mm or cm; for example, English measurements can be applied. Furthermore, the combination of different measurement system units may be also applied; for example, the scale lines and sizes may be indicated by metric units (mm) on the one side of the center line in the width direction, while the scale lines and the sizes may also be indicated by English units on the other side of the center line in the width direction.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is suitable to be applied for accurate length measurements and direction measurements of hair (hair bundles) based on an objective index, and for haircut at a desired length.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 Hair Measurement Tool     -   2 Elongated Member     -   2 a One End Part     -   3 Concave Part     -   4 Notch     -   6 Scale Lines     -   31 Width Scale Lines     -   51 Comb Part     -   51 a Comb Tines     -   73 Curved Oblique Side Part     -   91 First Plate Part     -   92 Second Plate Part     -   99 One Side Part     -   S Hairdressing Scissors     -   Sa Cutting Blade     -   H Head     -   Ha Scalp     -   h1, h2, h3 Hair Bundles 

1. A hair measurement tool, comprising: an elongated member where scale lines are indicated with intervals at a predetermined length unit from one end in a length direction thereof, and the elongated member is configured, by placing a one end part on a scalp, to be used for performing hair length measurements based on the scale lines, characterized in that a concave part is formed in the one end part, and a gap between the concave part and the scalp occurs by placing the one end part on the scalp so that both end parts in a width direction of the concave part contact with the scalp.
 2. A hair measurement tool, comprising: the concave part and the both end parts in the width direction of the concave part are formed so that a first imaginary straight line connecting the both end parts is inclined against the length direction of the elongated member.
 3. The hair measurement tool of claim 2, characterized in that a second concave part is formed in another end part in the length direction of the elongated member, and the second concave part at the other end part and both end parts in the width direction of the second concave part at the other end part are formed so that a second imaginary straight line connecting the both end parts in a width direction of the second concave part at the other end part is inclined against the length direction of the elongated member, and the second imaginary straight line is inclined against the length direction of the elongated member at an angle different from an inclination angle of the first imaginary straight line.
 4. The hair measurement tool of claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of angled lines indicating angles are indicated on the elongated member in a way that the angled lines cross each other.
 5. The hair measurement tool of claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of angled lines indicating angles are indicated on the elongated member in a way that the angled lines cross each other.
 6. The hair measurement tool of claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of angled lines indicating angles are indicated on the one end part of the elongated member, and the elongated member is configured, by placing the one end part on the scalp, to be used for performing both hair length measurements based on the scale lines and hair direction measurements based on the angled lines.
 7. The hair measurement tool of claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of width scale lines indicating length in the width direction of the elongated member are indicated on the one end part of the elongated member.
 8. The hair measurement tool of claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of width scale lines indicating length in the width direction of the elongated member are indicated on the one end part of the elongated member.
 9. The hair measurement tool of claim 1, characterized in that an auxiliary concave part is formed at a peripheral part along the length direction of the elongated member, auxiliary angled lines, indicating angles at a peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part, are indicated on the elongated member, and the elongated member is configured, by placing the peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part on the scalp, to be used for performing hair direction measurements based on the auxiliary angled lines.
 10. The hair measurement tool of claim 6 characterized in that an auxiliary concave part is formed at a peripheral part along the length direction of the elongated member, auxiliary angled lines, indicating angles at a peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part, are indicated on the elongated member, and the elongated member is configured, by placing the peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part on the scalp, to be used for performing hair direction measurements based on the auxiliary angled lines.
 11. The hair measurement tool of claim 7, characterized in that an auxiliary concave part is formed at a peripheral part along the length direction of the elongated member, auxiliary angled lines, indicating angles at a peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part, are indicated on the elongated member, and the elongated member is configured, by placing the peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part on the scalp, to be used for performing hair direction measurements based on the auxiliary angled lines.
 12. The hair measurement tool of claim 8, characterized in that an auxiliary concave part is formed at a peripheral part along the length direction of the elongated member, auxiliary angled lines, indicating angles at a peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part, are indicated on the elongated member, and the elongated member is configured, by placing the peripheral part of the auxiliary concave part on the scalp, to be used for performing hair direction measurements based on the auxiliary angled lines. 